Woman Scammed For $15,000

While shopping at "Big Lots" in La Cañada Flintridge on Wednesday afternoon, a 56-year-old Los Angeles woman was allegedly involved in a "scam" that costs her $15,000.

According to the Glendale Police, the woman, Maria Guadalupe Valenzuela, had been shopping at Big Lots and was allegedly approached in the parking lot by a woman who gave her name as Maria Guadalupe Hernandez. She asked if she knew of a business that helped Latinos receive home loans. She explained to Valenzuela that she was an illegal immigrant and needed help. Valenzuela said she was unaware of any loan offices in the area. Just then, a man who gave his name as Jose Lopez, 60, introduced himself. He told Valenzuela that he had overheard their conversation and knew of a new place on Foothill Boulevard that specializes in loans to Latinos. Lopez told them that he did not have a car so Valenzuela offered to drive both Lopez and Hernandez to the Foothill location.

While they were still in the parking lot, Hernandez told of her job working for an "Italian woman." Her employer had offered to buy a Fantasy Lotto Ticket that Hernandez had in her possession for $40,000. Lopez "grabbed" the ticket and ran into Oceanview Liquors to check on the Lotto ticket numbers. Valenzuela did not actually see Lopez enter the store. When he returned he told the women that the ticket was worth $186,000. He allegedly called the California Lottery office and spoke to a man who confirmed the winning numbers. Lopez allowed Valenzuela to speak to the alleged Lotto official who told her that since the ticket was purchased by an illegal immigrant she could not claim the money. He explained that Valenzuela and Lopez could act as witnesses and receive the money on Hernandez's behalf but first they would have to get some papers notarized and would need $15,000 in cash. He also told her that by helping in this matter the lottery office would reward both her and Lopez with $9,000 each. Hernandez also offered each of them $5,000 in cash if they helped claim her money.